Training Program

Our training adheres to a strict bench-mark schedule that takes you from no experience to Certified Flight Instructor in 24 months.

Student Services

From day one to finding your dream job, we are here to provide a clear path to your goals. We guide you through the entire experience. Our Student Services Staff is comprised of financial aid professionals and veteran graduates.

Degree Programs

From the ground to the sky, you will be surrounded by highly experienced flight instructors and a faculty comprised of the most experienced personnel in the industry.

FAQs

Veterans helping Veterans

Our highly experienced Veteran staff are here to help you from the initial paperwork to the resume that lands you your first job.

July 14, 2017

What is High Density Altitude and why does it matter?

You may have heard about “flying in High DA” or “High Density Altitude”, but does that really mean anything to the aspiring helicopter pilot looking for the right training program? I can tell you that it didn’t mean anything to me when I first started looking into flight schools. Back then, I had seen it … Continued

February 14, 2017

One Student Pilot’s Advice on Applying for Flight Training in the USA

Private Pilot, Lechelle Dippenaar traveled across the world to take the next step in her flight training, coming to Guidance all the way from South Africa. Here, Lechelle shares with us the some of her story and what it was like enrolling for flight school in the U.S. as a foreign citizen. What was your … Continued

January 2, 2017

Santa Flies in on a Helicopter: 2017 Edition

Once again, a Guidance Aviation pilot was happy to oblige when Santa Claus needed a ride. This year, Chief Pilot Instructor Zach Hardwick heeded the call to escort Santa over to Yavapai Exceptional Industries (YEI!). Check out a 360°, panoramic video of the event. If you’re on mobile, try moving your device to see the … Continued

December 12, 2016

Keeping the Prestige in Pilot

Guidance Aviation Pilot, Andrew Craw and his family relocated over 1700 miles for Andrew to attend the right flight school and to pursue his dream of becoming a Commercial Pilot. His dream is now becoming a reality. As I sit with my wife and three year old son at the local airport restaurant, I can’t … Continued

Stay Ahead of The Aircraft AND The Employer

November 19, 2013

Situational Awareness Is Just as Important During The Interview as It Is in Flight

We hear it all the time while training as newbie pilots, career aviators, and during recurrent training: “Stay Ahead of the Aircraft”. One of our tasks in the cockpit is to mitigate risk by constantly analyzing new information as it becomes available so the flight ends safely. Some call this “SA” or “Situational Awareness”.

In similar fashion, we tell our students on day one at Guidance Aviation to start preparing their resumes for the future, both in written format as well as online through mediums like LinkedIn and Facebook. “Sharing your passion, Not your pain” online is essential to conveying a positive persona to the world while also making certain not to share anything on your “FB” page that will scare off a future employer. See our previous article: “Online Guidance To Career Placement”. All of this is in preparation for the first interview.

But what about the actual interview? What are you going to say or ask? It is just as important to anticipate what the employer is looking for as it is to share your skills and knowledge. Here are some recommended questions to ask during your interview. Of course, ask them in a manner which best suits the situation and your personality:

“If I earn the job, what is the performance review process and what are the things I need to accomplish over the next year to receive a great review?” [The key here is to show clear desire to succeed].

“Besides flight operations, can you tell me a little about how your finance, marketing, and operations work here?” [This is important. It shows you are also interested in other areas of the operation as well as the “Big Picture”. You may also be able to expound here a bit and discuss what you did during your flight training. Maybe you worked in dispatch, assisted marketing, or interned in the student services department. Let the potential employer know you’re more that just a “kick butt” pilot. Share your other skills, besides flying, that may be of value to the hiring company].

“Who are the “rock stars” at this company and why?” What characteristics do these rock stars share? [Again, asking about these people shows you want to be like them, fit in, and succeed].

“As my employer, what concerns you the most about the company and its challenges? How can I help the company overcome these challenges?” [Questions like these show you want to do more than just show up to work and be a safe pilot. It means you are looking beyond the horizon and anticipating the needs of your boss and the organization].

“Who is / are your main competitor(s)? What worries you the most about them? What can I do, if hired, to help come out on top?” [Show your competitive, driven edge and that you are a team player].

“What is the timeline to filling this position?” What would be a good time to get back in touch with you?” [Show your desire, ask for the job].

The six questions above represent many of which you could ask. Point being, anticipate the potential employer’s needs. Think beyond the cockpit and find out during the interview how you can help your next boss succeed. You may get hired for having good “SIA” ( Situational Interview Awareness ).